| | Joined: May 2010 Posts: 5 Member | OP  Member
Joined: May 2010 Posts: 5 |
New here, I was diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma- intermediate grade, had a maxillectomy on the upper left side. Had radiation last summer.
I've had my definitive obturator for about a month. Still sound pretty nasal, but my enunciation is improved. I am having some trouble with shifting teeth affecting the fit. I have yet to actually meet anyone else with one of these. Feel pretty alone in this.
Michelle
Age 42 (diagnosed 41)
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of minor salivary gland- Intermediate grade
Maxillectomy 4/26/10
3 molars removed
IMRT x 30 completed 7/26/10
Obturator
Most recent PET 1/7/11- clean
Non-smoker, non-drinker
Last edited by shellef; 05-19-2011 06:27 PM.
Diagnosed at age 41
Intermediate Grade Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of Minor Salivary Gland
Presented in Hard Palate
Partial Maxilectomy 4/26/10
IMRT radiation completed 7/10
Obturator
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 | There are a few people here who have them- I'm not one but wanted to welcome you! I'm sure everyone else will be a long to do the same and those that have them will jump in too - glad you are doing okay! Take care.
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Welcome to OCF. You will find lots of support here to help you with your situation. If you type Obturator in the search box on the right there are many posts that come up. Im sure you will be able to find several members with similar issues.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: May 2009 Posts: 132 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: May 2009 Posts: 132 | Michelle -
You are not alone! I have had an obturator for almost two years now (am in the process of having my definitive one made). I, too, have teeth that have shifted on my "good" side, making chewing difficult (the teeth don't grind well). It's a drag, but I live with it. All in all, the obturator is doing well by me -- my speech is good, swallowing is mostly good.
Ask any questions you have -- there are a few of us on here who would be more than happy to answer!
Chrissy
Stage 2 SCC upper right palate
Hemi-palatectomy and maxillectomy 5/28/09
Six teeth gone
IMRT x30 starts July 13. Completed 8/26/09
Carboplatin and Taxol x6 starting 7/14/09. Completed 8/25/09.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 131 "OCF across the pond" Senior Member (100+ posts) | | "OCF across the pond" Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 131 | Hi
Iv had mind for 8 weeks and am doing ok, this is only my second but my speech is really good and I'm eating ok. I'm starting radio znd chemo in a few days so hoping it's going to stay like this!
There are few of us but I hsve had such support , I am so glad I found the site.
Jayne x
Scc nasal cavity /hard palate
Surgery removal of septum and roof of mouth 15/3/11 cl margins
Rt and cisplatin 6 weeks starting 24/5/11
Obturator
Age 45
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 5 Member | | Member
Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 5 | Hi Michelle,
You are most definitely not alone. Like Jayne, I've only had my obturator about 8 weeks so I haven't noticed any shifting yet, but I guess I'll deal with that when it comes.
I just had my interim obturator resized last week and am having the same problem with sounding very nasal. It's bothering me quite a bit so hopefully they can adjust it again next week to fix that issue.
Nicole - Age 31 - Queens, NY
Wife, Mommy (4 years)
Upper Right Maxillectomy (5 teeth) 3/21/11 - Obturator
Sloan-Kettering - NYC
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 126 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 126 | Welcome, yes there are a few of us on here. I have my definitive obturator. Got it this past Feb. This summer I will be at the two year mark from surgery. I have not thought about shifting teeth, I guess that is something else I will have to look forwrd to. The definitive one was made a little later than my Prothodontist wanted, so maybe the teeth already had time to shift. I did have a scare a couple of weeks ago when I couldn't get it in, and when I did, I couldn't get it out. Finally forced it, and now it fits really tight and makes removing it very difficult. I really do not know what happened or what changed. People tell me that my speech is good, I have learned to eat and drink fairly well, with just some of the usual annoyances.
Sharon
Sharon, 57; Hard Palate; T1, High Grade, DX 6-12-09, Surgery, maxillectomy 7-14-09, 33 RT (9-2-09 to 10-19-09); Prothesis (obturator). None smoker, non drinker.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 131 "OCF across the pond" Senior Member (100+ posts) | | "OCF across the pond" Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 131 | Hi
Well I feel Better today since my chemo and I have had 8 rads. I felt so so bad I didn't swoosh out my obturator as I have been! The crust build up is gross! Do any of you guys get this? It feels weird and uncomfortable ! I have quite a big hole so maybe I notice it a lot more.
I'm cleaning three times a day andhoping it doesn't get too sore for my next round of chemo week after next.
Jayne xx
Scc nasal cavity /hard palate
Surgery removal of septum and roof of mouth 15/3/11 cl margins
Rt and cisplatin 6 weeks starting 24/5/11
Obturator
Age 45
| | | | | Joined: May 2009 Posts: 132 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: May 2009 Posts: 132 | I'm so glad you're feeling better, Jayne! That's great to hear.
Yeah, the obturator gets pretty yucky, huh? I take mine out and wash it three times a day (mostly rinse, full wash once a day, actually).
So you're 8 treatments done - excellent! Prepare for some sores yet to come -- get Boost or Ensure or Carnation Instant Breakfast VHC (can order through Amazon) to supplement your food intake. Good luck with everything!!
Chrissy
Stage 2 SCC upper right palate
Hemi-palatectomy and maxillectomy 5/28/09
Six teeth gone
IMRT x30 starts July 13. Completed 8/26/09
Carboplatin and Taxol x6 starting 7/14/09. Completed 8/25/09.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 | Hey congrats on being 8 treatments in - it will get harder but you'll get through it...
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
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